LocationsEU, UNDP, Central Pattana and Partners Empower Thai Youth to Promote Responsible Consumption and Sustainable Business
May 14, 2026
Bangkok, Thailand, 14 May 2026 –The Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Thailand, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Central Pattana Public Company Limited, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, and partners joined forces to launch the "Better Futures Project 2026: Futures Near Me" — a nationwide initiative empowering Thai youth to drive responsible consumption and sustainable business practices.
" Youth is a powerful agent of change. In Thailand, the European Union has teamed up with UNDP and the private sector to help young people in developing solutions, influence consumer behaviour, and shape more responsible business practices. The ‘Agents of Change: Youth and Media for Responsible Business Conduct’ project aims at amplifying youth voices and strengthening demand for greater transparency, accountability, and responsible business conduct. We are delighted to invite you, Thai Youth, in joining us in translating global commitments into real local impact." said Andreas Roettger, Head of Foreign Policy Instruments Regional Team Asia-Pacific, EU Delegation to Thailand.
"Young people are already shaping how we consume, produce, and do business. Their choices are key to advancing SDG 12 on responsible consumption and SDG 13 on climate action — while also supporting decent work, stronger institutions, and sustainable communities. Through this initiative, supported by the EU, and in partnership with CPN, the public and private sector come together to help young people turn their intention into action. Together we support businesses to integrate human rights and sustainability into their business models, which is not only the right thing to do, but drives resilience and competitiveness."
"Today, the world is facing major challenges ranging from the climate crisis and energy challenges to rapidly evolving consumer behaviors. These forces are reshaping the way we develop projects and extend towards future city development, because cities must create a balance between quality of life and environmental sustainability. As Thailand’s leading real estate developer, Central Pattana continues to move forward under the vision of ‘A Future-Led Ecosystem’ to develop future cities that grow alongside communities, society, and the environment, with Net Zero 2050 serving as a key mission across the organization.
Our commitment has continuously gained global recognition, including our inclusion in the Dow Jones Best-in-Class Indices and multiple sustainability awards across Asia, alongside the development of landmark initiatives such as Eco-Friendly Mall and Sustainable Mall projects. We are also advancing ‘Better Futures Project Year 5’ together with both national and global partners to empower Thai youth as a driving force for the country’s sustainable future.” said Chanavat Uahwatanasakul, President and CEO of Central Pattana Plc.
The partnership shows a growing alignment between Thailand's private sector and the global development agenda, channeling investment, corporate platforms and reach to accelerate SDG action at scale.
The Better Futures Project 2026: Futures Near Me, launched on 14 May at At Work, Central Park, is implemented in collaboration with UNDP through the Agents of Change on Youth and Media for Responsible Business Conduct programme supported by the European Union. The goal is to empower young people to develop solutions and campaigns that create real impact across communities, markets, and businesses to advance responsible business conduct. By embedding the initiative within one of Thailand's largest retail and property networks, the partnership brings sustainable development directly into the spaces where consumption decisions are made every day.
With youth comprising around 35% of Thailand's population, the initiative recognises their critical role in shaping consumption patterns and advancing sustainable development. Yet a persistent intention–action gap remains: a 2023 UNDP study of 5,000 young people across Asia found that while 67% consider sustainability when researching purchases, decisions at the point of sale are still largely driven by price, convenience, and brand. Closing this gap — through business environments, peer networks, and youth-led campaigns — is central to the programme's design.
Between May and October 2026, participating youth teams will engage in innovation labs, workshops, and competitions across Bangkok and other regions, developing scalable solutions that promote responsible consumption and business conduct. The programme will culminate in a national showcase in October 2026 at CentralWorld — itself a symbol of the private sector's role as both a platform and a partner for change.
The initiative also supports Thailand’s commitment to responsible business conduct, including the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights and broader efforts to strengthen corporate accountability frameworks. Together, the public, private, and multilateral partners demonstrate that advancing the SDGs requires not only policy commitments, but also the active engagement of business — bringing resources, innovation, networks, and influence to where they matter most.
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For more information, please contact:
Tarinee Suravoranon, Project Manager on Business and Human Rights, UNDP Thailand |Tarinee.suravoranon@undp.org |Mobile: +66922700529
UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty while protecting the planet. We help countries develop strong policies, skills, partnerships and institutions so they can sustain their progress. For more information, visit our website.
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